Innovative Education Technologies Shift ConversationAt a time when the daily mantra in many districts has become “do more with less,” it’s understandable that keeping up with technological advances might not be a top priority. But make no mistake: Those technology innovations are transforming past practices in K-12 education.June 2014

Technology Leaders to WatchWe are preparing students for careers not yet imagined. With crystal balls in short supply, how are school leaders expected to design educational systems that meet the needs of the next generation’s workforce? A good start is keeping an eye on the innovations championed by NSBA’s “20 to Watch” educators.April 2014

Twitter 101 for School BoardsTwitter offers schools a powerful platform to provide real-time information to students, parents, and community members – and at no cost. Twitter has empowered anyone to share what’s on his or her mind with everyone – 140 characters at a time. Used correctly, Twitter can have many benefits for school board members.February 2014

School Leaders and Social MediaSchool districts know that more people are getting their news from social media. If public schools want to be heard in this new environment – if they, to use an old phrase, want to define themselves before being defined – they need to be active online as well.February 2014

The New Vo-TechAcross the nation, districts are working to reinvent vocational education and occupational training opportunities. These programs are taking vo-tech into the 21st century, with an increasingly sophisticated and academically rigorous curriculum that’s rooted in providing students with real-world experiences and a serious exploration of career opportunities.August 2013

Planning for School TechnologyTechnology is one of the most valuable tools in my toolkit as a principal. Students use technology all the time to keep up with friends, find things to do, and look for new places to hang out. So why not leverage these tools to better engage students in their education?June 2013

The '20 to Watch': Technology InnovatorsAsk any of the individuals recently named as a “20 to Watch” educator for NSBA’s 2012-13 recognition program, and they will all talk about their accomplishments in the context of their colleagues. In the multilayered, complex world of K-12 technology integration, it takes players at all levels to implement successful practices.May 2013

Put CTOs on the Top Tier CabinetWith the right CTO, a district can identify solutions that will help it experience the disruptive success of Amazon by using technology to do things differently. Identifying the competencies for the perfect CTO is easier now thanks to the Consortium of School Networking’s (CoSN) Framework of Essential Skills for K-12 CTOs.April 2013

Virtual Learning Done RightFrom institutions of higher education to corporate training and the military, online learning has taken root. The most important lifelong skills to be gained from an online learning experience, beyond the subject matter, are how to become an independent learner, manage one’s time, collaborate online with colleagues, and communicate effectively.March 2013

Using Technology to Tell Your StoryStorytelling is different in the digital age. With smartphones, flip video cameras, and inexpensive software, it’s easier than ever to create compelling new stories and slide shows. Social media outlets offer unlimited – and free – publishing opportunities. The final product may not rival traditional broadcast news, but neither does the cost.March 2013

School Leaders and E-rateE-rate started as an effort to provide discounts for schools and libraries to acquire affordable telecommunication service and Internet access. Demand for program funds has steadily increased, while available funding has remained relatively unchanged. The likelihood that funds will be available for all applicants in future years is becoming increasingly uncertain.February 2013

Tablets in the ClassroomThe popularity of tablets comes as no surprise to school technology advocates. Several factors have converged to make tablets attractive. Prices have fallen; funds previously restricted to textbook purchasing can now be used for school technology; and assessments for the Common Core State Standards will be heavily dependent on technology.February 2013

Mapping School Boundary ChangesGuideK12 has created a product specifically designed for K-12 decision-makers. The system captures proposed boundary adjustments and filter options to allow for easier comparisons between solutions, and to make the steps in the decision process more transparent to those individuals less familiar with executing such tasks.November 2012

Campaigning with Social MediaSocial media is just another tool that allows people to interact with one another. What sets social media apart and makes it such an asset for those running an election campaign is its interactive and viral nature. Modern technology has had a multiplier effect on communication – for better and for worse.November 2012

School Boards in the Digital AgeWhat will 21st century school boards look like? If contemporary school boards can engage the demands of our new digital world and learn to respond, they will model the exact behavior future graduates will need to exhibit for success in our transformed world: the ability to be lifelong learners.October 2012

Saving Money With Green Schools TechnologyEnergy is the second largest line item in district budgets. Thanks to a prolonged economic downturn, educators are scrutinizing figures that once were considered fixed costs, taking large and small measures to make sure they get the most bang for their buck. In a word, schools are going green.October 2012

Preparing for E-RateIt is important to remember that E-rate is a journey, not a race. So instead of letting E-rate fall by the wayside until the next big deadline, we offer a few simple suggestions for completing the work for this funding year, as well as for preparing for the next funding year and beyond.April 2012

Common Core TechnologyCreating the Common Core State Standards was one thing. Building the computing capacity to implement them the way the consortia would like is a more complex matter. Ed-tech companies have an equally complex task in creating software that aligns with the assessments and provides highly adaptive computerized tasks based on them.March 2012

Protecting Your Data from DisasterSchools must move from merely preparing for a crisis toward planning for how to keep critical operations and communications going through and beyond one. Data and IT protection are a part of that planning process. Preserving data is as important as collecting it.February 2012